The visit included a guided tour of the warship’s operations room, bridge and officers’ wardroom, where there was an exchange of gifts, followed by a traditional Japanese lunch.

Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral de Córdoba stated ‘I would like to thank you all for hosting me and my team on board. I am very much looking forward to working with you, using the opportunity to share situational awareness and increase the cooperation between our Task Forces. I strongly believe that cooperation is key to maintain the successfully counter-piracy activity in the region. I am aware that the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces have a long tradition and are the pride of Japan. I would like to thank, as well, the contribution of Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces.’

As part of the goodwill gesture, a delegation of Japanese officers was also hosted on board the EU Naval Force flagship, ESPS Galicia, by the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Fernández-Pintado Muñoz-Rojas.